Good Shepherd
What is the title of Psalm 23? A Psalm of David.
Read Psalm 23:1-3
1 YHWH
is my shepherd; I shall not want/not lack.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads/refreshes me beside still/resting waters.
3 He restores/returns my soul/nephesh. He leads/guides me in entrenchments of righteousness for his name's sake.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads/refreshes me beside still/resting waters.
3 He restores/returns my soul/nephesh. He leads/guides me in entrenchments of righteousness for his name's sake.
Who is YHWH?
YHWH is the name God give His people to call Him. Here he's described as a shepherd. This means what? He's leading, caring for, protecting His flock.
But not lacking anything? This is a pretty tall claim. YHWH is a Super-shepherd
THERE ARE 4 things he does – (1)makes me lie down (2) refreshes me (3)restores my soul & flesh (4) guides me in the well-worn wagon entrenchments( = Great picture of the ancient faith of the church!!) HE DOES IT all.
Read Psalm 23:4
4
Even
though( Also because) I walk through the valley of the deep shadows, I
will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod(smiting) and your staff, they comfort me (have compassion).
your rod(smiting) and your staff, they comfort me (have compassion).
Where does the psalmist walk?
In the shadows – imagine... this is where a sheep is fully exposed. The shepherd is not leading the sheep away from the valley, rather right through it! THIS is where God’s
people walk.
The rod of the shepherd shows where to go. He can can kill or smite to protect the sheep AND he can lead and guide in compassionate comfort.
Read 23:5
5
You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
What does YHWH do in front of enemies?
Prepare a table. He gives gifts! Oil = anointing. Cup = feast. These images are big in the church for a reason. This is how the gift of God are given to the people. Think of anointing the sick, cup of forgiveness, the feast everlasting...
BUT the enemies are not gone, they just aren’t invited!! Mocking??
Maybe they don’t even see what’s going on. Notice how your eyes of faith see common things differently than those who don't believe (like the Lord's Supper or Baptism).
Read 23:6
6
Surely
goodness (tov) and mercy(chesed) shall follow/pursue
me all
the days of my life, and I return in the house of YHWH forever.
What is "stalking" the psalmist?
YHWH’s good & YHWH’s mercy. These things follow him. He's chosen whether he wants to be or not!
So, the psalmist returns to HOUSE of YHWH. He returns to his presence, his protection, his gifts. Order is important!! YHWH pursued him, the psalmist just returned to where he always was...
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
What is the purpose of this Psalm/prayer?
Description – this is God - like a shepherd = comfort
So, this is what follows - His gifts = comfort
How does Christ fulfill this psalm?
YHWH is shepherd – Christ is shepherd. He does what God
bids him… John 10
LISTEN to the shepherd and there is life eternal. THAT'S COMFORT!
How can we pray this?
We want to be sheep – HE DOES IT ALL – we look to God for protection & goodness & mercy fulfilled in Christ!
What
does this mean? We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father
in heaven would deliver us from all manner of evil, of body and soul, property
and honor, and at last, when our last hour shall come, grant us a blessed end,
and graciously take us from this vale of tears to Himself into heaven.
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